Marie-Christine Morel-Kopp

Marie-Christine Morel-Kopp is a Research Fellow in the Department of Haematology at the University of Sydney's Northern Clinical School, affiliated with Royal North Shore Hospital. Her work focuses on platelet and coagulation disorders, particularly genetic variants such as GFI1B and DIAPH1, and their impact on cardiovascular health. She has pioneered diagnostic methods like whole blood impedance aggregometry for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and contributed to understanding inherited platelet disorders through collaborative research initiatives like the Sydney Platelet Group.

Education: She earned her PhD in 1990 from Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris, studying anti-GP IIbIIIa monoclonal antibodies under Dr. Cecile Kaplan. Postdoctoral training with Dr. Nelly Kieffer in Luxembourg investigated platelet integrins and signaling pathways.

Research Interests: Her studies encompass genetic mutations (e.g., GFI1B, DIAPH1) linked to thrombocytopenia and bleeding disorders, alongside the physiological effects of stress and bereavement on cardiovascular risk. She also explores global coagulation assays and their application in clinical settings, including veterinary medicine and pregnancy.

Publications Trends: Her recent work emphasizes genetic diagnostic tools, functional testing for HIT, and mechanistic studies on platelet dysfunction. Key themes include platelet activation pathways, NMDA receptor roles in thrombosis, and sex-specific differences in coagulation profiles.

• Awards: Prof Heimburger Award (2014)
• Grants: Haemophilia Foundation Australia/Research Support (2018), CSL Behring GmbH/Prof Heimburger Award (2014)

Advising & Grants: Collaborates extensively with researchers like Dr. Chris Ward and Dr. David Rabbolini. Her grants fund genetic testing pathways for undiagnosed bleeding disorders and validate identified variants. She has led studies on omega-3 fatty acids' effects on platelet function and cardiovascular risk mitigation.

Labs/Teams: Co-founded the Northern Blood Research Centre to advance basic and translational haematology research. Active in interdisciplinary teams, including the Sydney Platelet Group and the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Platelet Immunology.